10 Jun 2026 12:56 BST |
4 min read
Arsenal could face a serious approach from Real Madrid for Riccardo Calafiori after a new development in the transfer market which could see Jose Mourinho’s side take aim at the Gunners.
Real Madrid are in the market to strengthen their squad after a disappointing campaign, with Florentino Perez ready to splash the cash to back his new manager Mourinho after being re-elected as the club’s president.
Reports emerged in recent days that Madrid were looking sign a defender who could play at left-back and centre-back to replace the released David Alaba, with Calafiori and Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol ranking high on their shortlist.
However, The Athletic report that, while Gvardiol has been considering his options, the ‘latest indications’ are that the 24-year-old will sign the new contract offer currently being offered to him by City and remain at the club where he is described as ‘settled’.
Should Gvardiol be taken out of contention for Real Madrid, the Spanish may accelerate a move for Calafiori, even with Arsenal being unwilling to sanction a departure for the Italian.
Italian journalist Nicolo Schira also confirmed this week that a meeting had already taken place between Madrid and Calafiori’s agent, with Mourinho already giving his approval for the club to target the Arsenal star.
Calafiori wanted by Real Madrid as Arsenal opportunities tighten
Calafiori has been an important figure for Arsenal since his €43 million transfer from Bologna in 2024, although the 24-year-old missed 12 Premier League matches last season through injury and rotation.
Mikel Arteta has often preferred Piero Hincapie at left-back, having started the Ecuadorian in the Champions League final last month, with Calafiori not featuring against Paris Saint-Germain at all.
Arsenal are set to formally announce the permanent signing of Hincapie in the coming days in a €52m deal and, with Myles Lewis-Skelly also finding gametime towards the end of the season, albeit in midfield, Arteta knows he has options at left-back.
Calafiori still has three years remaining on his contract and, while he admitted last month that he would be keen on a return to boyhood club Roma one day, the Italy international is believed to be settled at Arsenal.
Real Madrid will still likely test Arsenal’s resolve, particularly with Gvardiol appearing an unrealistic target, and Calafiori’s situation could develop over the summer in a big-money transfer.
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